Sanad, part of Mubadala Investment Company, has announced plans to establish a new AED480 million ($130 million) Aircraft Engine Repair Centre of Excellence in Al Ain Region. The project was revealed during Make it in the Emirates 2026 and marks a major step in Sanad’s global expansion strategy.

The new greenfield facility is aimed at strengthening Sanad’s aircraft engine maintenance, repair and overhaul (MRO) capabilities as global demand for engine repair services continues to grow rapidly. The company plans to use the facility to improve repair turnaround times, expand service capacity, and support airline operators across regional and international markets.

Sanad currently serves more than 80 customers worldwide. In 2025 alone, the company added 24 airline customers and expanded its capabilities across both traditional and next-generation aircraft engine platforms. Engine inductions are expected to increase significantly over the next decade, rising from 230 in 2025 to more than 500 annually by 2035.

The company said the global MRO industry is changing as newer engine technologies enter service and airlines demand faster and more efficient repair solutions. Sanad believes advanced repair capabilities will become one of the most important competitive advantages in the aviation sector.

In 2025, Sanad inspected more than 43,000 engine parts and repaired over 19,000 components while supporting 230 engines across five engine platforms. Once fully operational, the new Repair Centre of Excellence is expected to increase repair volumes to around 65,000 parts annually.

The approximately 17,600 square metre facility is scheduled for completion by 2030. It will bring together repair operations for major engine platforms including Trent 700, V2500, LEAP, GEnx, and GTF engines under one integrated system.

Sanad said the purpose-built facility will allow the company to handle more repairs in-house, improve operational efficiency, and support long-term business growth. The centre will also help the company generate additional revenue by offering specialised repair services to airlines and other MRO providers.

Upon completion, Sanad is expected to become the only independent MRO provider in the MENA region with repair capabilities at this scale.

The project is also expected to support Abu Dhabi’s wider industrial and aviation ambitions by helping develop a dedicated aerospace ecosystem in Al Ain Region. More than 350 jobs are expected to be created through the initiative, with a strong focus on developing Emirati talent and supporting the UAE’s economic diversification goals.

Mansoor Janahi said repairs are becoming one of the most important areas in engine MRO, adding that the new facility will help Sanad improve turnaround times, strengthen in-country value, and support its ambition to become one of the world’s leading MRO providers.